Embattled ex-treasurer Rutherford: My political career is 'in recess'

Former State Treasurer Dan Rutherford at an Illinois Republican governor debate in Chicago in March 2014.

Former State Treasurer Dan Rutherford at an Illinois Republican governor debate in Chicago in March 2014.

(Chris Sweda, Chicago Tribune)

Former Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford's quixotic decision to host a party outside the gates of the Illinois State Fair while he continues to fight a sexual harassment lawsuit had some senior GOP members scratching their heads Wednesday.

But a relaxed Rutherford was unapologetic, telling Chicago Inc. his political career is merely "in recess" and that "I'm going to do in life what I want to do, when I want to do it."

Just a handful of pals and supporters — about 25, including Illinois Senate Minority leader Christine Radogno — stopped by to attend the bash, which Rutherford said he has been hosting at a Springfield bar for 21 years.

Rutherford, who has more than $900,000 in campaign cash left over from his doomed 2014 gubernatorial bid, declined to identify what office he might seek, if any.

"You don't know what you don't know," he said, but noting that he got "21 percent of the vote in Chicago" when he successfully ran for treasurer. Rutherford's event came after hundreds gathered inside the fairgrounds to hear Gov. Bruce Rauner and other party leaders speak on the Republicans' main day at the fair.

Nor would he discuss the sexual harassment case brought against him by his former staffer Edmund Michalowski, who alleges Rutherford made unwanted advances toward him, then unfairly overlooked him for promotion.

But he said he was having great fun leading trips to Cuba through his travel business, Global Relations Travel Club.

"On one trip I said 'I can't have another lobster!'" said Rutherford, 61, of Chenoa. "I've had enough!"

Radogno — who described Rutherford as "my friend" and went with him in February to Cuba, where the traveling party experienced a midnight power cut — hinted she would support him if he ran again.

"I think he was a great representative," she said.

Other former colleagues were more guarded.

State House minority leader Jim Durkin said "Oh, yeah," when reminded about Rutherford's get-together Wednesday, adding only "I don't know anything about this" and declining to comment further.

And state Sen. Bill Brady — who ran against Rutherford in 2014 — said Rutherford was "a well-liked guy" and that "money never hurts" but declined to give Rutherford his unequivocal support, as did state Sen. Matt Murphy.